Student goals include:  
I.   Enhancement of critical thinking and reasoning abilities.
II.  Further academic advancement and development. 
III. Development of sound and logical arguments.
IV. Learning the value of extensive and intense study of an issue, from all sides. 
V.  Development of Communication Skills, having the adaptability for many styles and allowing for complex argumentation. 
VI.  Understanding Public Forum Debate Structure and Case Framework

I am a Criminal Justice Professor and High School History/Economic/Speech and Debate teacher.  I am also a retired practicing attorney in New York State (Criminal, Family and International law).  I taught Speech and Debate for many years at the Middle and High School Level.  I am an award-winning coach at the State level.  My students also compete and have won at the National Level.  Several received scholarships to college based on their speech and debate accomplishments.  I have also taught Advanced Placement US Government, Advanced Placement Comparative Government and traditional High School Government for over ten years.  Civil Discourse is very important to me along with fact-checking and understanding propaganda. 

Homework Offered
Each week the instructor will work with debate groups and they will be expected to complete assigned parts of their arguments.  Students should expect 1-2 hours of work weekly after the third week.  For speech events, students should practice their piece daily and fill out practice sheets as well as supplemental worksheets (such as character bios) for their event.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades are available upon request.  Student will receive full points when they can check off everything on teachers rubric.
Grades Offered

Speech event students may need to purchase a script.  For example, if your student chooses to do a monologue, they will need to either find a free one online, or purchase one.